As of 2018, PTH 19 is the only provincial trunk highway in Manitoba in which the entire length of the route is unpaved. The route travels within Riding Mountain National Park, with the exception of 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) between PTH 5 and the park's eastern gate. The highway is closed to heavy truck traffic inside the park during the winter months.[3]
PTH 19 provides access to campgrounds and hiking trails along Lake Katherine and Whirlpool Lake on the east side of the park, as well as access to the trailhead to Grey Owl's Cabin.
The speed limit on this highway is 90 km/h between PTH 5 and the East Entrance, and 60 km/h within the park limits.
History
PTH 19 was designated in 1928 from Killarney to Wawanesa. In 1929, this became part of PTH 18. The current route for PTH 19 was designated in 1947.